"We support the legitimate authority but legitimacy should not deprive us of our legitimate rights..."

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Fair fare this time?

The government has agreed to raise fares for express and stage buses, but not up to 100 per cent as proposed by the Pan Malaysia Bus Operators' Association (PMBOA).

Fine… but what about school and factory buses, lorries and taxis? Normally, when we push up fares for certain bus operators, the others will cry foul if they, too, are not allowed to do so.

Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar said the ministry had appointed a consultant to look into a suitable level of increase and the new bus fares would be announced before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

The increase was unavoidable following the bus companies' higher operational costs, including the diesel price hike from 71 sen per litre to RM1.43 per litre, since the last bus fare increase in 2005.

The higher operational costs were also due to the increase in the price of tyres, engine oil, batteries and spare parts.Don’t other busses, lorries and taxis have tyres too?